The 2004 champions did not have any trouble qualifying for the Ghana finals, with the exception of a 3-2 defeat to Sudan. Otherwise, it was smooth sailing for the Tunisians who won 4 matches and drew in one without conceding any goals. Like most of the North African nations the Carthage Eagles have experience, tactical discipline and a great fighting spirit. The key for their success is their strong backline marshaled by Leverkusen defender Haggui and veteran Radhi Jaidi. They also have a talented, mostly Europe-based, midfield but their main problem lies up front. With the exception of Francileudo Dos Santos, Tunisian strikers have failed to make a strong impact. In his absence, Tunisia struggled to score at the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany and exited the competition from the first round. Tunisia's squad was boosted recently by the exemplary form of Etoile Sahel and Sfaxien players who won the CAF Champions League title and Confederation Cup respectively. Ironically enough, Tunisia's major strength is not tactical, but psychological, because their players rely heavily on time wasting techniques and aggressive marking especially when the team is ahead, which in turn frustrates opponents and makes them lose their concentration. Tunisia's chances in reaching the second round as Group D winners are very strong, and they do have the mettle to reach the semi-finals, but would have to really bring it on if they intend to go for the title. Coach: Roger Lemerre Lemerre is a highly decorated coach who has won the 1998 World Cup with France as an assistant coach before taking over ‘Les Bleus' and guiding them to the Euro 2000 and 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup titles. After France's humiliating group stage exit at the 2002 World Cup finals, the 66-year-old manager took his trade to Africa and made an instant impact by guiding Tunisia to their first African Cup of Nations title in 2004.
Dos Santos He also steered the team to the 2006 World Cup finals. Star Player: Francileudo Dos Santos Dos Santos has spearheaded Tunisia's frontline since being naturalized by the North African country in December 2003. The Brazilian born ace began his career with local minnows Sampaio Correa before being lured to Belgium to play for Standard Liege. After spending two years on the sidelines he decided to part ways with Standard Liege and joined Etoile Sahel in Tunisia. Etoile showered their opponents with goals thanks to the pacey forward who finished as Tunisian League top scorer in his first season. His top form landed him a contract from French Ligue 2 side Sochaux and the 28-year-old impressed right away as he finished as league top scorer and helped the side secure its Ligue 1 berth. After giving up on the dream of playing for his motherland, Santos opted for the Tunisian nationality late in 2003. Santos scored on his international debut for Tunisia in a match against Benin early in 2004 and went on to become coach Lemerre's lucky charm. The 28-year-old helped Tunisia grab its only African title in 2004, finishing as joint top-scorer with four goals. Santos repeated the feat by scoring four goals in the 2006 finals in Egypt but finishing one short of Samuel Eto'o. Santos was unfortunate to have been injured ahead of the 2006 World Cup finals, and his absence was definitely felt by the Tunisian side that managed only three goals in three matches and exited from the first round. Santos is currently playing for Ligue 1 side Toulouse who loaned him out in January 2007 to FC Zurich, with whom he won the Swiss League before returning to France at the start of this season.
